Wings

 
This month marks the anniversary of Daddy’s passing. It’s been many years now, but I can still picture that shocking moment like it was yesterday. Sudden, unexpected, heartbreaking.

I grieved deeply, crying a sea of sorrow…and I emerged strong, sturdy and resilient. Why?

Well, there are two main reasons. The first is because he was the most incredible father in the world to my sister and me and gave us unconditional love, time, tenderness and devotion.

The second reason dates back to when I was in college. His mother passed away and sometime later I was talking to him and asked him how he was not falling apart.

My father, one of seven children, said, “Although you haven’t seen my tears and pain, my parents raised me to be strong and independent; they gave me wings so one day I could start my own family and teach my children to be independent and give them wings. If I fell apart, my mother’s teachings would have failed, and there I will not fail her. That is completely different to my emotions which I feel deeply.”

                                                   So sometimes, especially the years close to when my father passed away, those poignant feelings would pierce my heart, but I wouldn’t fall apart, because that would fail him.

 

He gave me wings and I am blessed to be a mother now having the honor to teach my own children to be strong, loving future adults with wings.

    

Daddy’s legacy is indelible. And this lesson is true: Be present with your children. Of course you love them, but give them 100% of your attention, be truly present. You know, push the swing without the handheld…rather than texting someone who’s not there, focus on the one who is there – the person who thinks you’re the world! The person you are giving wings to.

The Bright SpotTM  – Daddy was kind & generous, and loved by his community. He was laid to rest on Valentine’s Day…appropriate for a man with such a big heart. To read all about my father’s story & see one of my *favorite pictorials*, click right here: http://theletstalkmom.com/tea-talk-momversations/daddy/

I miss you, Daddy, here’s to you!     xoxoxoxoxoxoxooxoxoxoxoxoxo

But the Best Part was~~~

We recently got together with relatives to enjoy a refreshing stay in the majestic White Mountains of New Hampshire.

We shared a lovely home that slept 12, the views were spectacular and the kids enjoyed the indoor pool after long days hiking & caving…then they roasted marshmallows before bedtime.

We took in breathtaking sights at the Lost River with its powerful waterfalls, explored glacial gorges and admired the red-covered bridge from the 1800s along the Flume.
 

Dinners were scrumptious and the hospitality of the residents was delightfully warm & inviting. Aaahhh, it all sounds perfect…but do you know what the BEST PART was…

…when we went on a shopping spree that yielded the most unbelieveable savings: Phillip bought 2 pairs of leather shoes and a pair of cozy black suede boots valued at $200.00 for $3.97!!!!!
Yup! He handed the cashier a 5 dollar bill and smiled cheekily when she handed him change!

Turns out that there was a sale on top of a sale with an online coupon that he pulled up on his phone at the last minute and when all was said and done, the shoes were $3.97! Yahhhhooooeee!! Nothing feels better than a bargain!

 Hey, someone lose their glasses?!?! LOL!!

A Raw Lesson in Judging Others

We have all felt the sting of being judged. Simon even says at the beginning of this video, “Just when we thought it couldn’t get any worse.” Faces & sighs in the audience echo that sentiment.

Watch as this 17 year old brings an arena to tears!! Every time my husband & I watch this we have goosebumps & cry. We have always cheered the underdog & wanted to share this video with you.

Jonathan, you are amazing! Charlotte, you are a loyal friend. Simon, we love & appreciate when you give a standing ovation. Click here to enjoy:

Imagine

Imagine not knowing where or WHEN you were born. Imagine being left in a shoe box as a baby. Imagine being crippled and abandoned. This is a must-see, heart-wrenching, totally inspiring video that will put your life in perspective.

My husband sent it to me and told me to get the tissues ready. I sat in my studio and watched in awe. Before the end of the video I was on my feet clapping, crying, clapping some more – full of joy, delight, hope.

Give yourself a moment in your day & truly brighten it with this video. Bravo, Emmanuel!!!! Bravo to the mother who saved him and his brother!!!! Click here to enjoy:

Miles of Smiles

May I take this moment to thank all of you who made the Miles of Smiles campaign at Stamford Ford Lincoln a wonderful success.

Proud & dedicated dad, Dominic Franchella, owner of Stamford Ford Lincoln, reached out to the community to fill an F-150 Ford truck full of toys and coats for families in our area.

     

Phillip & I are grateful to all who participated in Miles of Smiles and we are thankful for Stamford Ford Lincoln’s Title Sponsorship of our radio show, “Let’s Talk!” a Life, Love and Parenting show on 1490am WGCH airing Live each week and later archived right here for your listening convenience (see nav bar above). The Bright Spot  – all of YOU who made this campaign a success to make little children happy in your own community. Thank you. ~b

Stamford Ford Lincoln 212 Magee Avenue in Stamford, Connecticut

100 Pounds in 100 Days

Week 1: Lost 21 pounds combined in a week – Bianca 12 & Phillip 9 

Week 2: Lost 38 pounds combined in 2 weeks – Bianca 21, Phillip 17 

Week 3: Lost 47 pounds combined in 3 weeks – Bianca 26, Phillip 21

Week 4: Lost 53 pounds combined in 4 weeks – Bianca 30, Phillip 23

Week 5: Lost 58 pounds combined in 5 weeks – Bianca 32, Phillip 26

Week 6: Lost 61 pounds combined in 6 weeks – Bianca 33, Phillip 28

Week 8: Lost 68 pounds combined in 55 days  â€“ Bianca 40, Phillip 28

 ** Day 100: Lost 100 pounds combined – Bianca 70, Phillip 30 **

Lose 25 – 40 pounds in 40 days guaranteed! Never gain it back!

Call or text Dr. Werfel: 845–590–9764 for consult & testing.

Use Promo Code: “Bianca” for a special offer!

If you’ve been packing on the pounds lately, it may not be what you think!! Here’s the scoop on surprising reasons why that might be & an answer. Last Christmas, I was rounder than usual but felt okay:

11 short months later, I’m thinking who’s this girl in the mirror??

Seriously, what was going on with my weight? Button-downs burst open at the bust line. Zippers refuse to budge at the waistline.

I was always long & lean as a child & in my 20s, 30s & 40s. I’ve always gotten away with a few pounds here & there because I’m tall.

To get an idea of my body type, here are some photos of yesteryear…and at the bottom will be the photos as a puffball! At the end of this journey, we’ll show you a series of photos guaranteed to fright!

……………………………..20s

 

     

    

………………………………….30s

  

………………………………….40s

      

………………………………..Late 40s

  

 

……………….>>>>>>>>>>>>           Here I am end of March 2014>>

But now I’ve passed the margin of slack-ability! And I couldn’t understand why.

I’ve always taken good care of my health. I don’t smoke. I don’t drink. My heart is strong. My cholesterol is good. I wear the best moisturizers, use salon products for my hair and I still only buy my makeup from the very best – from my years-ago TV makeup consultant, owner, Gail Hayden of Maquillage Makeup Media, in Dallas. I’ve eaten the same Greek salad with vinaigrette dressing every week for the past 15 years, I love fruits & vegetables, and I buy my family good foods.

True, I have a demanding sweet tooth – chocolate is definitely my weakness! – but it has never caused me this much gain.

And true, this year there was a lot more late-night writing accompanied by late-night noshing, burning both ends of the candle, owning our own company, busy-busy-busy with PTA happenings & school events, working at the radio station, running in & out of New York City for work, and loads of family & friend activities.

Here’s a tidbit about night eating, according to an article in Shape magazine & Steven Shea, Ph.D., December 2014, “It’s the work of your circadian system, which amps up cravings come sundown…” “Your food urges peak at 8pm and stay high until midnight.” Sound familiar? Watching night-time TV & munching… And for me, it’s writing into the wee hours, I just love it!!

There are many shocking reasons why people gain weight. Many think it’s because someone ate too much. But that’s not necessarily the reason why 1 in 3 people in the United States is now obese…a true epidemic! Below is a list from an article by Jeff Roberts earlier this month, The 5 Surprising & Less-known Reasons You’re Packing on the Weight:

1.) 30 million pounds of antibiotics are used to raise livestock in the United States each year!!! The meds are used to stave off disease and promote weight gain!

2.) Growth-enhancing drugs are also pumped into livestock to fatten them up. What do you think those drugs are doing to the humans who consume them? Many countries have banned these growth-enhancers!

3.) If you’re not eating organic, you may be eating genetically-engineered wheat, sugar, soy, corn and other grown products.

4.) Many cosmetics, household products, plastic storage containers, and home cleaners contain hormone disruptive chemicals.

5.) Artificial sweeteners may actually increase your appetite & stimulate fat storage in your body. Diet foods are not what they are cracked up to be. Eating raw & fresh foods is best and most natural for our bodies. Junk food is targeted and marketed to children. As Mr. Roberts points out, when was the last time you saw an ad for apples or kale?

So here are some early photos of our journey. A far cry from just a while ago on the couch. Then & now:

Not only have we pudged out, we’ve aged because of it. Here are more pics from this week. I feel like a snowman with these 3 extra tires around my midriff! And just so you can see even more of our roundness, we changed into brighter tops:

…I thought the fatigue, gain and aches & pains had to do with age. I hear so many folks quip, “It’s all downhill after 50,” or I hear ads that women over 40 will experience weight gain, weariness and bloating.

Well, apparently, that’s all malarkey!!!

Dr. Howard Werfel says, “There are 90-year-olds who are kayaking or doing yoga somewhere in the world right now, and 40-year-olds who are creaking & groaning throughout the day. It has nothing to do with age!”

Oh, well there’s good news!!

I heard an ad for Dr. Werfel on the radio where he said people can lose 25 – 40 pounds in 40 days!!  

G-U-A-R-A-N-T-E-E-D!!

All natural! No prepackaged foods, no shots, no cravings, no surgery, no hunger!!

The good doctor did it himself! 220 to 189 in 40 days!!

Call/text Dr. Werfel: 845–590–9764 for consult & testing. Use Promo Code: “Bianca” for a special offer!

Why is there no hunger? “Your appetite will naturally be satisfied by the 2,000 to up to 7,000 calories of fat you will be burning per day due to the weight loss program!” “We are not aware of any program on the planet that can do what this program does…” So I wrote down his phone number and tucked it away.

I was tired of feeling tired and my breasts became huge. Yeah, to some that sounds great. But it’s not – they are boobs out of control! Hauling around heavy breasts is no easy task!

(<<Look! My neck didn’t change – but it feels like the twins are taking over my body!)

Dr. Werfel’s program is fast, easy, affordable and guaranteed! And I know when I lose the weight, my breasts will go back to their normal size!

About a week before I finally called the doctor, I was in the store picking up 2 plastic tubs of kitty litter. That’s the key…I was picking them up trying to heave them into the shopping cart by their metal handles. Phew! I thought, how much did those buckets weigh? That’s when reality hit: I weighed the combined pounds of those kitty litter tubs! I was hauling around 2 buckets of kitty litter on my back wherever I went. NO WONDER I WAS FLIPPING EXHAUSTED!!

But then came November 11th. A mom from school asked me why my father wasn’t sitting with the other vets by the flagpole at a big, school-wide Veterans Day ceremony. “He’s my husband.”

Yes, you can imagine she just wanted to vanish into oblivion at that moment. But the fact was I was turning pleasantly plump and Phillip was not only rounding out but looking older than his years. After all, he’s only 3 years older than me.

……………………………………………….  * * * * *

(pic long ago…)
He rocks my world! To me, he’s as hot as he was the day I met him. To him, he’ll say I’m as lovely. Good man! We don’t see each other’s faults, roundness or laugh lines. We joke about our tummies. But now I knew it was time to get serious about our health.

I pulled out Dr. Werfel’s phone number and made an appointment that would change our lives.

The doctor explained why any diet or program anyone attempts often ultimately fails. More times than not, people actually gain back even more weight. The doctor explained how this program will have anyone losing 25 to 40 pounds in 40 days, guaranteed! And how & why you will NOT put the weight back on!

The doctor said it was a mix of unbalanced hormones and outside factors contributing to our gain and the epidemic spreading across this country.

I came to learn that there are hormonal disruptors in our everyday products such as certain toothpastes, facial cleansers, lip balms, vinegars and even frying pans!

Here’s an example from the program’s manual. It’s very specific and eye-opening! To get a complete list, try this program by calling Dr. Werfel today for consultation/scan at 845-590-9764. Use Promo Code: “Bianca” to get a special offer!

Phillip and I are doing this journey together. Dr. Werfel put us through the series of tests. The program is customized to every individual. Every person has a different reason why they can’t lose weight. Dr. Werfel pinpoints it through special technology & tailors the program to your body.

After our evaluations, test results showed my metabolic rate is that of the 78-year-old – what! Phillip’s is 64! My visceral fat level – the dangerous fat that the gathers around your organs and waist (a.k.a. tummy fat, “middle-age spread”) that even give off their own !hormones! is a 10. It should be 6 or under making me at risk for stroke, diabetes, and other weight-related ailments. Phillip’s is 12!

Can’t believe in the middle of our 1st Week we had the ULTIMATE test!! T-H-A-N-K-S-G-I-V-I-N-G!!!! The foods, the smells, the desserts, the cozy eating atmosphere! But you know what Phillip and I had? Dr. Werfel’s coaching and his tools to get us through it. Not only did we have a spectacular family & friend event, but we lost a combined 3 pounds!!!

The manual from this program says, “You can do whatever you put your mind to, whatever you plan for: as long as your plan is right and your commitment is strong! I want you to inspire people. I want someone to look at you and say because of you I didn’t give up! So stay committed and let’s get started!!”

The Bright Spot  – That’s the message with this system. So get some answers today. Call or text Dr. Werfel right now for a consultation & scan at 845-590-9764. Use Promo Code: “Bianca” to get a special offer!

In a few weeks, I will be posting that frightening series of pictures – yup, all in a row! – that we’ve been capturing during this journey. From Ewwww to Ahhhhh…you will be amazed!

www.40DayReset.com or call 844-40-Reset

Here’s Phillip’s before & after pics since he reached is goal weight down 30.

So we traced back what happened in the past year that caused significant weight gain for me – I was very ill (lungs) for 4 months & had to take Advair, Symbicort, Hydrocodone, Zithromax, etc., and, worst of all – Prednisone! Prednisone, a steriod, has many side effects including weight gain.

Add that to the toxins in our everyday lives, growth hormones in our foods, use of plastics, etc. and it was a recipe for hormonal imbalance & gain. With Dr. Werfel’s program, my hormones are now fully balanced, the pounds melted off faster than they packed on & I’m back to my normal self!!

So here are the frightening before pictures, as promised, and my photos 70 toxic pounds lighter! We took a bunch of snapshots last night in my clothes I haven’t been able to squeeze into in over a year. Dropped from a draining size 16 back down to a comfy 4. So nice to feel my own real clothes on me once again thanks to this amazing program! Sharing with you now:

(Below) On the left, I’m 30 years old & on the right, I’m 50 (taken last night). So happy to fit in my favorite little red silk dress…size 4.

……….>>>>>>……>>>>>>>.. 30                                                             50

The nice thing is that this hormonal reset program only eliminates the toxins & fat in your body & not lean muscle. Quick snap in a swimsuit & a shot I texted Phillip showing him what I was wearing under my coat when I brought him his forgotten briefcase one morning…hummm.

                  

    

Our Little One gave me these lovely flowers & snapped these pics on our porch:

 

           

Text Dr. Werfel…do it for yourself today!

If that’s not motivation enough, do it for your family!

For more information, just click on the Radio Show flower tab in the navigation bar above & listen to our 4 interviews with Dr. Werfel: December 19, 2014 / January 16, 2015 / March 27, 2015 / April 24, 2015.

Blind Kitty ~ Humanity at its Finest!

We have rescued many animals (you can see more on the Moussie Tales side bar on the left-hand column of this site) & our family was so touched by this video.

God bless the folks who adopted this blind little kitten. Watch this tender video as Oskar discovers his very 1st toy:

Flippin’ Freezing!

Okay, what’s up with that surprise Autumn Nor’easter that pelted New England this weekend! Heavy wet snow, no power, no water, no heat, I could go on but really just click here & read http://theletstalkmom.com/tea-talk-momversations/hurricane-irene-pushes-my-bright-spot/ – then insert FLIPPIN’ FREEZING at the end of that story!!

I was at a bridal shower when the lights went out. It was pretty watching the snow flutter past the picture windows as we toasted the bride-to-be by candlelight.

But the ride home wasn’t pretty at all.

Trees still full with colorful Autumn leaves were heavy with snow and easily snapped over power lines and across roadways.

Yes, crazy me snapped photos so I could blog it for you.

It was daunting and awesome at the same time.

I was thankful when I finally got home. Our road looked very beautiful.

A Winter Wonderland in October…that doesn’t even sound right. Didn’t look right either with pumpkins under snow, it wasn’t even Halloween yet. Bright red Autumn leaves dripping in glistening ice, flowers covered in a blanket of snow.

 

 

 

 

 

The Bright SpotTM  – The power is now back on, thank God. Since I enjoy the snow (not the power cuts!), sledding is always fun with the kids. My window where I write is pretty to look out of, we had friends over during the outage who brought wine & cheese, apples and dips, we ate dinner out each night and we did a lot of extra snuggling to stay warm. 😉 b

Hurricane Irene Pushes My Bright Spot!

Hurricane Irene ripped through metro New York and coastal towns in our area destroying homes and businesses. Our schools are closed for an extra week because of all the downed trees and power lines on the bus routes. Many people were left without power for a week; all I kept thinking about were the elderly, the disabled and all the Moms who have babies and toddlers to care for in the dark with no water. It also made me think very deeply of the 6-year-old little girl and her family we sponsor in Africa and how limited their resources are with power and water. It makes their plight and struggle for survival really hit home.

We were one of the families who were flooded; we had no power, no communication services, no running water. We’re on well water and when the power goes, so does the pump. Toilets don’t flush, oh, joy! Throw in a period the night of the hurricane and it can pretty much go downhill from there.

But Phillip was my hero, as usual, driving back & forth downtown filling gallon after gallon of water jugs. Sure, we prepared – we filled the tub – but at 2.5 gallons of water to flush, it doesn’t last that many days! He bought a load of Poland Spring and at first I felt so guilty flushing it down the toilet – literally! We used the “refilled” jugs for that and the remaining bottled spring water for drinking & brushing.

But before we could get downtown, we 1st we had to get out of our road – again Phillip & our son were my heros! A tree blocked our road. Neighbors were stuck. We’re far in the back country, near the horse farms and golf courses.

   

We are not a priority area, so I knew workers would not be clearing the end of our road for a while.

 

So in rain and heavy winds, my men cleared the way. I snapped pics, Little Petal supervised. A grand team effort in a time of family & neighborly need.

 

We had our battery-operated radio and listened to the radio station we air from weekly – WSTC & WNLK – it was the only outside communication we had. And we had dark chocolate-covered graham crackers – a must-have during this dodgy week!

With no electricity, time seems to pass more slowly. My stomach was still achy, brushing teeth was a misery trying to not waste the bottled water while cleaning the toothbrush, night came way too quickly and I just wanted to wash my hands!

My buttons were being pushed and I had to push back – I had to find my Bright SpotTM and make it a grand adventure! (See Mission: Bright Spot - 3rd flower tab in the nav bar above).

Finding your Bright SpotTM is not an easy task. The effort comes in times of adversity. But I decided to turn my situation into something great and memorable. We became pioneers and turned the hurricane recovery time into family fun time.

So what exactly was the Bright SpotTM in all this?? We all drove to my Mom’s house (my sister’s family had no power either) for hot showers, home-cooked dinner and good times all together. Then we bought dozens of battery-operated tea light candles and used them for the den, bedrooms, hallways, staircase, etc. It was very pretty. We had our 6-year-old pick out her favorite brand new flashlight and she played with the cats – chasing the little spot light here, there and everywhere. Our little one stayed in our room and we made shadow puppets on the ceiling with her new flashlight. We had friends over and in daylight hours played family games like Chutes & Ladders, Candy Land and I Spy.

We watched crazy men with bike helmets play golf on a flooded course – hello???

And because we had to eat out every day, I didn’t have to cook! And that means NO dishes…which in itself is its own Bright SpotTM!!

Pending Withdrawals

Leave it to the English (& Canadians) to serve up a majestic dose of sumptuous cinematography in this heart-pounding period piece that doesn’t leave much to the imagination. The Tudors is outstanding!

The history, passion, betrayals and intrigue enveloped in this flawless production by the brilliant English screenwriter & creator Michael Hirst captures the agony of 1 man’s life journey in his ultimate quest for love and honesty. Yes, yes, power and all that, but fundamentally, as the years passed, love and truth reigned supreme.

In his prime, Henry – an educated author & composer – was known as charismatic, passionate and an attractive sportsman. He ruled with absolute power.

Why did Henry Vlll (1491 – 1547) have 6 wives? How did the Church of England come to be? Why are Henry Vlll and Elizabeth I the most famous monarchs in English history? Watch this 38-hour epic series and see the treacheries that cloak his kingdom unfold.

The voracious appetite of this happily married Mom was effortlessly satisfied with each hour I shared with my equally-engrossed husband. A perfect blend of desire & lust mixed with gross man stuff like Tower scenes and combat will captivate both men and women alike.

The Tudors is a magnificently edited work of art cast with absolutely incredible actors, extravagant costumes, opulent scenery and a twist at the end of each episode that leaves you breathless for more.

We’re about to wrap up our last hour of the series, I’m dreading it and the pending withdrawals. I just don’t want it to end. Bravo to all who made this chapter of history come to life!

The Bright SpotTM  – a delicious next few months with your special someone. Get it on Netflix or the DVD set and whisper in your love’s ear, “Let’s Tudor tonight!” with that knowing little smile and a naughty twinkle in your eye.

Date Your Spouse

We do everything together with our kids.

We ski, skate, travel, bike, scout, dance, read, sing, play & pray together.

      

                   

            

And most of all, we just like to hang out with one another.

 

       

Our kids are our #1 priority, our focus, our love. But there is one thing we know is vital to a strong family unit and strong marriage – dating your spouse.

When couples first meet, it’s exciting, romantic & heart-pounding to be together.

And when you choose one another for a lifetime, that romance & thrill should last a lifetime, too. Of course, mortgages, work, time contraints, exhaustion, these all creep up on us. But taking the time to date your spouse will keep your love on fire!

My husband & I date once a week. We plan something fun like evening horsebackriding followed by hors d’oeuvers & dinner…

 

…or smooching at sunset on the beach…

…or just bopping the heck out of each other!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Although we like to

 

 
 

sail, snorkel and snog,     

   

 party or chill…

         

…and even work together in our own company – choosing to sit in the same office – much to the shock of our staff and those who visited (“Don’t you two get sick of each other,” they’d chide, “working all day across from one another and then seeing each other at home?”)

Nope, we look at each day as a gift. We celebrate it with our children and with each other.

 

 

 

And sure, gala events are nice (scroll down to see more on this summer event in the next story),

 

but it’s our routine Friday night pizza & a movie at home that’s my all-time, hands-down favorite!!!

 

Just hanging out with my husband, putting our feet up, throwing on a sweatshirt or fleece, a ponytail & little white socks, snuggling under the covers and watching a movie on NetFlix, now that’s a good time!

 

The Bright SpotTM – So go grab your Honey, the one you chose for your lifetime and make memories just hugging & kissing and all the wonderful little things you used to do before the bills and the laundry and the dishes.

 

 

It doesn’t matter what you do – and it doesn’t have to cost a penny - just spend quality time with your One & Only.

 

 

More photos above under “Our Photos – Hand in Hand.”

 

Happy summer lovin’ on the last of these lazy, hazy 2011 summer days.

 

 

« Previous Page — Next Page »